Conclusion
There is a lot of pain and suffering in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic and crisis just intensifies it. And in this season people — both believers and nonbelievers — are trying to understand and make sense of their pain and suffering, which in many cases they couldn’t control. They’re trying to understand why life hasn’t gone according to their plans, dreams, intentions, and expectations, and thus why they’re left with intense physical, emotional, and psychological discomforts.
As noted earlier, every culture has attempted to explain and give meaning to pain and suffering. In comparison to other religions, philosophies, and ideas that offer a framework for dealing with pain and suffering, I believe the bible gives the best (albeit not perfect) framework of all.
Although the bible’s framework isn’t perfect in the sense that it doesn’t instantaneously alleviate present pain and suffering, it nevertheless teaches a comforting and hopeful truth that God can help, God is with us, and God will redeem our pain and suffering. For there is coming a time when Jesus—because of his death and resurrection — “will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Maranatha!
